Northwest Tang Soo Do, like all traditional martial arts, is founded on strict policies and rules that govern daily behavior within the school as well as day to day activities. By adhering to the policies and rules it not only helps to condition the students to become a better person within the community and a better martial arts pupil, but instills discipline, respect, and a sense of honor. We here at the Northwest Martial Arts and Education Center have established a set of rules we expect all students and parents to become familiar with and help enforce. This list may appear extensive and lengthy, but the rules are easy to understand and comply with. Remember, this is your school, honor it by knowing what to do and when to do it.
When entering and/or leaving the dojang, bow to the instructors, and the dojang, then by saluting the flag.
When a senior black belt enters the dojang, bring the students to attention and bow to him/her
Never interrupt a black belt or senior instructor when they are talking to someone. Wait for them to acknowledge you
If you are working out with a senior student and a black-belt walks onto the mat, you will stop and show respect.
No food or drink on the mat at any time.
When a black belt or senior student is giving instruction, everyone will listen and there will be NO talking.
Remove all jewelry (rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, ear-rings, etc) before beginning training.
Sign in for each training session on the sign-in sheet located at the front desk. No sign-in--No credit
Do not touch any of the equipment (weapons, pads, boards, etc) without permission or supervision.
Do not use the leg machine unless you obtain permission from one of the senior instructors.
Do not chew gum when working out. Remove it and dispose of it properly.
If you arrive to the dojang and you are hurt or injured let the senior instructor know before training.
If you are hurt or injured while training, let one of the instructors know immediately.
Report to training on time. Meaning be there 10-15 minutes before class starts so you can warm up.
If you show up late; get ready, sit at the edge of the mat quietly, and wait for one of the senior student to bows you in.
Absolutely no horse play on the mat or outside the dojang.
Do not use the phone or computer unless you ask first and have been told it is all right to do so.
Absolutely no smoking in the dojang or outside near the doors/windows.
Never join in on any individual that is receiving training from Sah-bum-nim and/or other black belts. This includes hyungs, especially if the hyung is above your gup level. If you are invited to train, then you may join.
Make sure you are in the appropriate uniform when training & wearing it properly to include tying your belt.
Make sure your uniform is washed and cleaned before each training.
Keep the dojang clean. Pick up any trash you happen to see and throw it away.
No shoes allowed on the mats. Remove them and place them neatly on the rack by the entry door as soon as you enter.
Show respect to everyone regardless of rank and/or age.
Do not touch anything that does not belong to you. This includes any materials on the instructor's desk.
No sparring, grappling, or wrestling unless approved & supervised by the instructor and/or senior instructor.
Keep your toe and finger nails trimmed and clean.
If you have an open cut, let the instructor know and make sure it is covered properly.
Never touch the belt of a senior student or instructor.
Never correct Sah-bum-nim or black belts.
If you are called upon in class to come to the front of the dojang and assist Sah-bum-nim or other black belt do so quickly and with honor. Never flinch or pull-back when he/she is demonstrating with you
Never walk onto the training floor if a black belt or senior instructor is training. Wait until you are told it is okay.
Never wear your belt outside the dojang unless you are training outdoors. Remove it and store it correctly.
When called to order, form a line with the highest grade on the right hand side. When all students are the same grade, then the eldest student will be on the right hand side.
Parents and visitors are free to watch the lesson but are requested not to speak to or distract the students during a lesson.
When the line is formed and the Instructor is in place and ready, the senior student will call the class to order and all will bow to the instructor who will return the bow.
During training never leave the mat without approval of the senior instructor or black belt.
When facing another student for sparring or practice, each student will bow and show respect.
Any student behaving in a disrespectful or dangerous manner will be asked to leave the floor.
Loss of temper or bad language will not be tolerated for any reason. You may be asked to leave training for violation of this.
Any dispute should be brought to the attention of the Instructor.
When leaving the dojang make sure you have your belongings, double check to make sure you have no one else's equipment.
These list of rules and policies is by no way complete. It is up to each and everyone of you to know what is right and what is wrong when training in the dojang. Remember if you do not know what these rules and policies mean; ask someone. It is better to ask someone ahead of time rather than being scolded by an instructor for not following them. While these rules and policies may seem complex and lengthy, they will help instill a sense of respect, discipline, and behavior important when participating in martial arts training.